American Wiegon

General Description

A small duck with a short bill and round head, the American Wigeon has a reddish-brown body, and a speckled grayish head that is plain in females and boldly patterned in males. Its bill is blue-gray with a narrow black border at the base, and its feet are dark gray. Apparent in flight, the speculum, or wing-patch, is dark iridescent-green, looking black at times, with white on the forewing. The male has distinctive, black undertail coverts, a white forehead, and iridescent green band sweeping back from the eye. Females, juveniles, and eclipse-plumage males lack these markings. Males are usually in eclipse plumage in the post-breeding, pre-migration period from July to September.

American Wigeons are Abundant in Western Washington from Late August- May.

Habitat

In the summer, large inland marshes are the preferred habitat of the American Wigeon. During migration and in winter they frequent a variety of freshwater and saltwater wetlands. They are commonly found grazing on land, but also spend more time than other dabbling ducks in deep water.

Behavior

American Wigeons use a variety of foraging strategies. They pick food from the surface of shallow wetlands, graze in open fields, and steal food from coots and diving ducks. Wigeons will feed day or night, with much night foraging occurring during the hunting season.

Male

Female